Crystal Zhang Tian'ai 张天爱, born 28 October 1988), also known by her English name Crystal Zhang, is a Chinese actress and model. She is best known for her breakout role in the 2015 hit web-series Go Princess Go.

CareerBeginnings

After she studied overseas in Japan, Zhang came back to China and trained under Beijing Film Academy.

In 2009, she starred in the Korean short film Cherry Blossom alongside Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun.[1] After which, she continued to appear in minor supporting roles.[2]2014–2015: Breakout

Zhang first gained attention in 2014 when she acted alongside Sun Honglei in The Legendary Sniper.[3] She won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2nd Hengdian Film and TV Festival of China for her performance.[4][5]

Thereafter, she starred in the web series Go Princess Go. The low-budget series unexpectedly became a commercial hit, and shot Zhang to fame.[5]2016–present: Rising popularity

Following her fame, Zhang was suceedingly cast in bigger projects. In 2016, she starred in the romance film I Belonged to You alongside Deng Chao.[6] The film was a commercial success and earned more than 800 million yuan ($118 million) at the box office.[5] The same year, she was cast as the female lead in fantasy-action series Martial Universe.[7]

In 2017, she starred in comedy film Father and Son with Da Peng and Fan Wei, and in fantasy adventure film Legend of the Naga Pearls with Darren Wang.[8][9] She also featured in the war film The Founding of an Army as Soong Mei-ling,[10] as well as fantasy-mystery film Legend of the Demon Cat directed by Chen Kaige.[11]

In 2018, Zhang will star in the romantic comedy series The Evolution of Our Love alongside Zhang Ruoyun.[12]

FilmYear English Title Chinese Title Role Notes2009 Cherry Blossom 落櫻 Zhang Lina Short film2014 Uncle Victory 勝利 Cameo2016 I Belonged to You 從你的全世界路過 Yao Ji 2017 Father and Son 父子雄兵 Liu Wen The Founding of an Army 建军大业 Soong Mei-ling Legend of the Naga Pearls 鮫珠傳 Hei Yu Legend of the Demon Cat 妖貓傳 Yu Lian